Asthma

Asthma, characterized by wheezing and shortness of breath, commonly appears during early childhood and often ceases at puberty. It usually runs in families and, like many allergic conditions, an attack can be brought on by a number of different factors including diet; contact with allergens such as dust, polish, hair-spray or feathers; climatic conditions, especially damp; strenuous exercise; and/or underlying emotional issues.

Many things can be done to alleviate asthma, if the cause of the attack and the pattern of the illness can be identified. As a relaxant and antispasmodic oil, lavender is very helpful for asthma especially when combined with massage. Used as a preventative measure it can keep attacks from occurring so frequently.

One case history shows the benefits of using lavender on a regular basis for massage, baths and inhalation:

Jodie had a history of eczema from birth to about 6 or 7 years old and thereafter suffered asthma attacks and coughs on a regular basis Her summers were made miserable by severe hay fever and in previous years she took Triluden on the advice of the school nurse . [after being treated with lavender oil in regular baths, inhalations and as a massage oil consisting of 50 ml sweet almond oil, 9 drops lavender, 3 drops geranium and a little rose oil] despite a two-week camping holiday Jodie did not have to take any Triluden over the summer. Only one asthma attack was experienced . Her parents were really pleased and have now purchased an infuser and some lavender for use in the home.

Asthma Photo Gallery

Mix 7-8 drops of lavender with 1 tbs sweet almond oil and massage the back in long sweeping movements, starting at the base of the spine, up over the shoulders, then down the sides of the body.

Put a few drops of lavender on a tissue for inhalation throughout the day, especially at the onset of an attack.

Use lavender in vaporizers and in the bath at home as a general precautionary measure.